I presently own a RX330 and this is my third Lexus. Love the cars but now want something with more power and that is more fun to drive.

I've actually ordered a fully loaded IS350 which means I'll pay MSRP at about $45K and I'll have to wait at least a couple of months for the car.


Because of these factors, I've now started to consider a GS430 with NAV & ML.


I realize they are very different cars but I'm looking for the technical differences, such as the NAV system which I understand is better in the IS. I know the IS also has an AUX port for an iPod.


Do you guys know of other features included in the IS but not the GS? And am I right about the NAV?


Would greatly appreciate you input!

 

Yes, the nav on the GS is 4th gen while the nav on the IS is 5th gen. The latter is sharper, more colorful, and has a higher resolution. The IS also has lighted door scuff plates while the GS does not. Aside from that, I don't think much else is different.

 

I take it the difference between 4th & 5th gen NAV is more than the DVD?

 

Yeah, as I mentioned above, the 5th gen nav is sharper, more colorful, and has a higher resolution.

 

It's funny about the scuff plates because my 2004 RX has them and I think they are really sharp.

Surprising they didn't include this feature in the high-style GS.

 

The IS also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The gauges are also pretty cool (cooler than the GS??). They turn from white to yellow to red as you near the redline....sort of as a reminder to shift I guess. In fact, the only feature the GS has that isn't available on the IS is L.E.D. tail lights.

I'm sure some/all of these things will be available on the upcoming GS350 & GS460.

 

Just a few corrections.

1)The speed/tach indicator is the lighting that you can change for both speedo & tach. You can set the redline to any speed up to 100mph on the speedo. For the tach, the red will obviously go at redline. The color change is from blue, orange and red for max.

2) The New IS does have LED taillights for the main brake lights, the CHMSL and the integrated sidemarkers. Just not as obvious as the New GS due to the led bulb design/layout.

 

main differences would be that GS is more spacious at back and more comfortable in general...

 

How do you like your Pirelli tires? I just picked up the same set for my GS last month to replace the worn out factory Michelin's and am impressed! They were a good deal less than anything comparable, would you agree?

 

Hey Jayson, I'll be putting them on tomorrow, along with the 18" Tourmalines so I'll let you know after I put some mileage on them. So they handle well both in dry and wet conditions? Are they quiet? How is the road feel?